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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y., Sept. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spectrum Health & Human Services has selected Cerner, a global leader in health care technology, to implement an electronic health record (EHR) and revenue cycle solutions through the Cerner Integrated™ – Community Behavioral Health deployment model designed to meet the unique needs of organizations that treat psychological disorders. This agreement will help support Spectrum’s work to improve the mental well-being of the people it serves throughout its health and human services agency in Western New York.

“Spectrum is extending our long-term relationship with Cerner to offer our patients improved services to face the challenges associated with mental health and substance abuse issues,” said Bruce Nisbet, CEO, Spectrum. “Cerner’s technology and solutions will not only support high-quality patient care but will also help us connect with health systems and providers as we forge new relationships throughout the state. Seamless sharing of patient health data across New York is not only essential in improving the patient experience, but also in improving the quality of care we are all able to provide.”

A digital record that brings together each patient’s health data from different venues of care will benefit doctors and nurses with a more complete and up-to-date view of that patient’s well-being to act on, which is critical when providing care to those with urgent behavioral health needs or in mental crisis. For doctors to have context of a patient’s mental and physical health, it is important for providers like Spectrum to be able to connect data across different venues of care. The ability to exchange data across its own locations and with other providers throughout the region will help create a smooth experience for the patient. With both clinical and financial data for each person in one record, Spectrum will benefit from documentation that can improve reimbursement and support its financial operations.

Patients will also have access to the Cerner-provided web-based portal. Through this portal, patients and families will be empowered to actively engage in the care process by viewing vital health data, sharing self-reported information, scheduling appointments and communicating with their care team.

Spectrum will receive a tailored offering of health IT applications and services, optimized for behavioral health, at an affordable cost through Cerner Integrated – Community Behavioral Health cloud technology. While some elements of care are universal, behavioral health doctors require a specific set of tools to address mental disorders, substance abuse and more.

“Spectrum’s status as one of the few Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in New York is recognition of the dedicated and passionate clinicians that are making a difference in the mental health of their community,” said Adam Laskey, vice president, Clinical and Business Strategy, Cerner. “Cerner’s behavioral health-specific solutions will help Spectrum continue to provide individualized and personal care to each patient to support overall well-being.”

Spectrum will be present at Cerner Health Conference (CHC) 2018, Cerner’s annual conference on the latest innovations in health care and information technology. Cindy Voelker, associate CEO of Spectrum, will be speaking on Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics at the Cerner Behavioral Health Forum during the conference. CHC18 takes place Oct. 8-11, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

About Spectrum Health & Human ServicesSpectrum has been serving the Western New York community for over 40 years. Our staff of highly trained and experienced professionals are here to help individuals and families through some of the challenges associated with mental health and substance abuse issues. Spectrum offers a larger continuum of quality behavioral health care services than any other provider in Erie or Wyoming County. We take great pride in our easy-to-access services, available at our centralized community-based locations across Western New York. Additionally, Spectrum offers integrated treatments at satellite locations within medical primary care practices across Erie County. With a large qualified team, Spectrum is available to meet clients’ needs immediately with our same-day and walk-in clinics.

About CernerCerner’s health technologies connect people and information systems at more than 27,500 contracted provider facilities worldwide dedicated to creating smarter and better care for individuals and communities. Recognized globally for innovation, Cerner assists clinicians in making care decisions and assists organizations in managing the health of their populations. The company also offers an integrated clinical and financial system to help manage day-to-day revenue functions, as well as a wide range of services to support clinical, financial and operational needs, focused on people. For more information, visit Cerner.com, The Cerner Blog or connect on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or The Cerner Podcast. Nasdaq: CERN. Smarter Care. Better Outcomes. Healthier You.